The Best Cookware Sets for Busy Kitchens

There are different materials used when it comes to pots and pans. Most cookware sets are made with layers of metal. They use a heat-conducting material, such as aluminum or copper. Sets with multiple layers or thick bottoms offer better heat distribution. They'll last longer than thinner cookware sets.

The exterior of most cookware is stainless steel, aluminum or anodized aluminum. Anodized aluminum is still aluminum. But the difference is it's been electrochemically processed. The process makes it more durable and less likely to corrode.

The best cookware set for your needs should have comfortable, easy-to-grip handles. A pot or pan should feel balanced in your hand. The handle should stay cool to the touch. Metal and silicone handles stand up well to high temperatures.

Some of the best cookware sets offer extra features. These include interior measurement marks in pots and pans. Or, lids that stack or hang together to keep you organized.

Many of the best pots and pans are dishwasher safe. Find a set that needs little care or maintenance. Non-stick coatings surfaces help keep foods from sticking.

Glass lids let you keep an eye on what you’re cooking. They're usually dishwasher safe. But even thick glass lids can break or crack if they’re dropped. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure the glass will stay cool while cooking. Lids made out of certain other materials, such as stainless steel, may get hot. So again, check the box or label on your set.

Price doesn’t always equate to value when you’re shopping for quality cookware. Look for the set that feels right for your cooking tasks and wallet.

Most ceramic cookware has a smooth, non-stick surface. But it’s easier to clean if you coat the interior before cooking. You can use butter, oil or cooking spray. Thanks to their glossy finish, most ceramic pieces are also great for serving.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you scrub ceramic cookware. You can use a very mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Use a nylon scrubber to remove stuck-on foods. Don’t use metal utensils, which can leave marks or scratches. Remove foods from the cookware before cutting into them. Use wood, plastic, nylon or silicone utensils to avoid damage.

Ceramic cookware is versatile. Most sets can be used to store food in the refrigerator. Or, in the freezer if the pieces are tempered glass and labeled freezer-safe. Ceramic cookware can go in a microwave, toaster oven, broiler or convection oven. Know not all ceramics can go from one temperature extreme to another. Read the manufacturer’s directions to see if your set can go from the freezer, for example, to the oven. Some models say it should warm up gradually to avoid breaking.

Ceramic pots and pans can be heavy and may break if dropped. Look for a set in various styles, designs and colors to match your decor. Verify whether the set you want is dishwasher safe when you shop.

Porcelain enamel cookware sets are beautiful and useful. The pieces are made of porcelain enamel, a kind of glass. It is then bonded to a metal (steel, stainless steel, iron or aluminum). The exteriors are enamel-coated, while the interiors are non-stick. The result is cookware that is lightweight, but also durable and strong.

This cookware is available in many colors and designs. Its hard, glossy finish resists scratching and fading. It can chip or break if it’s dropped, however. So the best cookware usually has a thick enamel coating.

Porcelain enamel cookware sets are non-reactive and non-porous. They can be used with metal or plastic cooking utensils. Do not use them over high heat for a long period of time. And don't allow them to boil dry, which can damage them.

Porcelain enamel is easy to clean while it’s slightly warm. Try to clean before foods have a chance to harden. Soak pieces with burned-on food for about an hour to make cleaning them easier. Or use a wooden scraper to loosen it. Use a sponge or nylon scrubber and warm, soapy water. Don't use strong abrasive cleaners or steel wool pads.

Dishwasher-safe cookware sets save you cleanup time. They can use less hot water than sets that have to be handwashed.

Dishwasher safe pieces are usually made of stainless steel or ceramics. Some stainless steel pots and pans with copper bottoms are also dishwasher safe. Check the instructions always.

Some non-stick cookware is dishwasher safe. But high water temps, dishwashing detergents and multiple dishwasher trips can cause the coating to flake.

Do not put non-enameled cast iron or anodized aluminum in the dishwasher. Some titanium cookware can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Again, check the manufacturer's directions to be sure.

Stainless steel pots and pans with a core or cladding of copper or aluminum heat up fast. They distribute heat evenly and retain heat well. In general, the thicker the core or cladding, the better the heating properties.

Stainless steel cookware forms nice, crusty bits on some foods that stick to the pans. You can scrape the bits out with a plastic or nylon spatula after cooking. Use them to make a tasty sauce or gravy.

Stainless steel pots and pans aren't as durable as cast iron, but they are non-reactive to foods. They're harder to clean than nonstick pieces. Using some oil in the pan when you cook will help reduce sticking. You can also let them cool and then soak them in warm, soapy water to make cleanup easier.

Many cooks value stainless steels pots and pans for their mirror-like finish. They are an affordable choice. Keep them shiny by using only non-abrasive cleaners and pads.

Non-stick cookware sets are popular. They're easy to clean and easy to use. You can skip coating them with oil or butter if you want. Favor butter and oil over nonstick cooking spray. Sprays can cause a buildup that makes the nonstick coating less effective over time. Some non-stick sets are labeled safe for oven use.

Before you buy, check to see if your set requires handwashing to maintain its coating or if it’s dishwasher safe. Don't use metal utensils or stack other pots and pans on top of them to avoid scratching the non-stick coatings.

Non-stick cookware sets are available with stainless steel, copper, aluminum or other kinds of exterior finishes. Some are induction-capable, check the fine print.

Tip: Watch your temperature control with nonstick pans. Do not overheat nonstick coatings, especially PTFE/Teflon which can release harmful chemicals if heated to over 500 F. Make sure your pan has oil or food in it while it’s heating. Never heat it empty. Avoid extreme changes in temperature (thermal shock), like running a hot pan under a cold tap.

Induction cookware sets are designed to use on induction cook tops. The cooktops are heated by an electromagnetic field that lies underneath the glass. Heat is then transferred to the magnetic cookware.

Induction technology eliminates the step of heating a burner. Some cooks like induction cooktops because they cook fast and respond quickly when the temperature is lowered.

Not all cookware can be used on induction cook tops. Look for pots and pans with flat bottoms. They should have securely attached handles and well-fitting lids. Cookware for induction surfaces should be made of a magnetic-based material like cast iron. Or they should be specifically labeled for induction use. To test your cookware for induction use, put a magnet underneath it. If the magnet sticks firmly, the cookware will probably work. However, a magnet may stick to the base of a stainless steel pot or pan, but that doesn't mean the cookware core is magnetic. Look for a cookware set marked induction-ready instead.

Copper cookware is often more of an initial investment than sets made of other materials. The beauty and smooth look for copper finishes is what cooks really love. Like cast iron, unlined copper cookware can react with acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes. Some people say that it gives foods a metallic taste. Copper pots and pans with stainless steel, tin or other surface coatings are usually non-reactive.

Professional cooks and chefs often use the best copper cookware in their kitchens. This is because copper conducts heat uniformly. It also loses heat quickly, but that's an advantage if you need to remove a pan from the stove top. It's easy to quickly cool a sauce or gravy that’s about to scorch.

To make your copper cookware last as long as possible, wash it by hand. Dry it immediately after using it. Copper is not dishwasher safe. Keep it polished using a product designed for copper. Copper pans can be used on ceramic stovetops, but they often leave residue that needs to be cleaned up immediately. Make sure the pans don’t get overheated, because this can permanently stain the cook top.

Titanium cookware sets are some of the best cookware sets for durability. They resist corrosion and oxidation. Many of these pieces are lightweight and strong. This makes them ideal for taking on a camping or backpacking trip.

Some of the best titanium pots and pans also resist denting, scratching and warping. Unless they have rubber-coated handles, they can be used in the oven. Titanium-reinforced cookware usually has an aluminum base and a titanium-coated surface.

So-called pure titanium may distribute heat unevenly. Some pieces are combined with ceramic, aluminum or another materials for better heat conduction. This may make them heavier.

Although it’s at the higher end of the cookware price range, titanium keeps it good looks and lasts for years. To clean titanium sets, wipe pieces with a damp cloth. Rinse them and dry them immediately. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if your set is dishwasher safe.

Cast iron is a great heat conductor and can be used over campfires. It can be used in ovens, on stove tops and grills. It can react with citric and acidic foods like tomato sauces. Some cast iron pots and pans are coated with enamel, which prevents food reactions, but the coatings may add a little weight.

After it’s properly seasoned, cast iron cookware develops a nonstick surface that's easy to clean. Just wipe the pieces out with a cloth or lint-free paper towel, rinse them and dry them thoroughly. Cast iron cookware that stays damp can rust. Some cooks prefer to clean their cast iron with a non-abrasive brush and a very small amount of mild dish soap. Cast iron can also be scrubbed with salt. For best results, re-season after every washing by coating the interior with a little oil and warming the pan in the oven.

Cast iron retains heat well. It’s good for cooking in the oven or on the stovetop. Cast iron can be used on ceramic glass cooktops. You just need to be careful as the bottoms tend to be rough and cause scratches if you drag them across the surface. Enameled cast iron has less of a risk. Iron can leach from cast iron pots and pans into your food, which some cooks consider a health benefit.

You can find many durable cast iron cooking pieces for your kitchen. There are cast iron grills, griddles, Dutch ovens, skillets, muffin pans and more.